How to operate a gas boiler in winter? How to avoid freezing the system? Should I turn off the equipment or not? In order to avoid problems with the operation of equipment at the end of the winter period, it must be properly prepared. We will tell you how to take care of the boiler.
Causes of freezing equipment
Operational problems can occur with both atmospheric and turbocharged boilers.
Closed devices are additionally connected to electricity. Automation and a fan are powered from the network. The latter is installed above the combustion chamber and forcibly removes smoke through a coaxial chimney to the street. The coaxial design consists of two pipes. Combustion air is supplied through one, smoke is removed through the other.
The steam contained in the combustion products condenses as the temperature drops. The liquid on the pipe and terminal freezes, which leads to the blocking of the traction and discharge paths. In this case, the protection is activated, and the operation of the device stops. Can the device be turned off? It is recommended to open the cap at the top of the case. Then the technique will take air naturally.
You can not use the technique in this form for a long time. As soon as the ice disappears, melts, you need to close the plug. Otherwise, contaminants enter the system, which leads to product wear.
If frosting occurs frequently, then this method will not work. The solution will be the installation of the Anti-Ice design – this is a type of coaxial chimney.
What temperature should I set for normal operation? The optimal operating temperature at this time is indicated in the instructions for each model. It is best to adjust the thermostat to low power (first-second mode), then you will avoid frequent on-off, which lead to the formation of condensate.
Open-type devices are also subject to freezing. Most often, the chimney suffers. Ice and snow can be removed mechanically. In this case, you will not avoid further freezing, so it is recommended to insulate the chimney.
How to prepare the boiler for winter
If you plan to use the appliance during a cold period, then:
- Before starting, inspect all connections and parts for integrity. Fill the system with water, check for leaks.
- Purge excess air from the system. In closed models, check the pressure in the expansion tank. To do this, remove the plug and use a pressure gauge. Normal indicators are 0,9-1 atm. In an open system, check the water level, turn on the make-up.
If you smell gas in the room, turn off the valves and contact the gas service immediately.
- You can check the gas pipeline for tightness by anointing the joints with soapy water. The appearance of bubbles indicates a leak.
- Inspect the mine for blockages, damage. Check the quality of traction. To do this, bring a lit match to the control window. When the flame deviates to the side, there is thrust. If it burns steadily – no. Start cleaning your chimney.
- Remove and rinse filters under running water.
- Remove dust and soot from the ignition unit (burners, jets, nozzles).
- The heat exchanger is also cleaned of soot with a brush.
- Clean the fan impeller.
If the boiler is in the country and you are going to turn it off for the winter, then:
- Take care of the insulation of pipelines. Especially those that are close to thin walls, floors, in the attic.
- Insulate membrane tanks.
- You can fill the heating system with a special antifreeze agent. It prevents freezing. But the way is expensive.
Only do not use antifreeze for this purposeas recommended by people on the forums. It damages rubber gaskets and valves.
- Completely drain the water from the circuit, blow the pipes with air to turn off the device.
This is the right way to prepare for winter. We also recommend that you conclude an agreement with gas workers for the maintenance of equipment.